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Wednesday, November 10, 2010

It's always an exciting time when Czech legend Jan Svankmajer completes a new work. The surrealist visionary's last feature 'Lunacy' was one of my faves of 2005 and such an incredible sight to behold. It's a demented and glorious assault on the senses, pelting those before it with razor-sharp political fury and as the name holds, cinematic insanity.

Well fiends, the slime has come in the form of Surviving Life (Theory and Practice) which recently opened to eager arms and as expected, those who have seen it are quite pleased with themselves. You can find the trailer and stills here. Even looks oddly futuristic. We'll be keeping our eyes peeled and will bring this in for you just as soon as it becomes available. Until then, if we are lucky enough to get a Toronto screening before the DVD release, you know that a trip to the big city will most certainly be in order.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Now, normally, the only thing we endorse reading are subtitles. But we've gone and made another exception and added a few quirky, cool and compelling books alongside our magazines. We plan on adding more so if you're looking for an offbeat holiday gift, stop in and have a page through!

Here are a few of the titles on our shelves now!

POOP CULTURE: How America Is Shaped By Its Grossest National ProductPoop Culture dissects the latest taboo, smashing the fear and embarrassment that manipulates our view of the one thing we all have in common.

FERMENTING REVOLUTION: How to Drink Beer and Save the WorldFermenting Revolution tells you how to drink beer and change the world. With passion and humor, it reveals how "beer activists" around the globe are leading the sustainability movement - with its values of cooperation, the protection and celebration of nature, and the nurturing of equitable communities - against the onslaught of corporate globalization. This book documents beer's spiritual roots.

THE INTIMATE SEX LIVES OF FAMOUS PEOPLEThe celebrated Wallace family returns to their groundbreaking historical romp with a dozen new entries about Tupac Shakur, Ayn Rand, Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison, Carlos Castaneda, Michael Hutchence, Anna Nicole Smith, Wilt Chamberlain and others that reveal the intimate intersections between sex and celebrity.

A PANORAMA OF AMERICAN FILM NOIR (1941-1953)A Panorama of American Film Noir addresses the essential amorality of its subject from a decidedly Surrealist angle, focusing on noir's dreamlike, unwonted, erotic, ambivalent, and cruel atmosphere, and setting it in the social context of mid-century America.

MEXICAN PULP ARTNever before seen in an English or Spanish language edition are the lurid and often surreal images used for '60s and early '70s Mexican pulp novels and comic covers.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Grunts and moans all! By popular demand, the Have You Seen... zombie walk lives another year! This Saturday October 30th the city will be alive with the sounds of the undead as we put on our best rotten cotton and stumble forth into the streets of Peterborough to terrify the living.

We meat at Have You Seen… (321 Aylmer) in our grisly gear for a 6pm departure.Then east for a human feast along Charlotte where we take a ghoulish stride up George to Hunter.We then figure out which way is left? and proceed to the Red Dog for the totally free 7pm movie screaming* of a gut busting zombie epic that will be sure to tickle your fetid fancy!

The night will be outta sight and the early start means you can definitely squeeze this into your Halloween party plans! So tell your family, tell your friends and dress up your zombie cat for an evening of fun, flesh and festering film. The more, the gorier!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

As promised, here's the list of recent acquisitions from the Criterion Collection, some brand spankin' new to DVD and others spand brankin' new to us! This brings our list of CC titles to roughly 24,312. Or less.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Each update, but a few of our new titles are spotlighted while many more are added with little blog fanfare. It's worth stopping in to check out all the new stuff we get each week!

SPLICEIt sounds like a soft drink but it is in fact the latest motion picture from Cube director Vincenzo Natali. Sarah Polley and Adrien Brody (in his 148th film appearance this year) star as totally sexy gene-splicing scientists. And when these two get together the action gets hot and splicey! Sorry. Also check out Natali's neat indie flick 'Nothing' where two guys go outside to find everything has vanished and has been replaced by a white void.

THE GATESA few years ago we were lucky enough to be part of bringing legendary director and cinematographer Albert Maysles to town for a talk and career retrospective at Trent and golly gee, what a sweet, sweet man. His longtime friendship with artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude (see their outstanding 5 DVD collection available at a Have You Seen... near you) has been well documented and their obsession with assembling an installation in New York's Central Park is the subject of The Gates. The controversial plan took many years to bring to fruition and we're given a behind the scenes look at the journey.

THIEVES BY LAWDon't mess with the Russian Mob. Or really, any mob for that matter. Maybe a mob of Strawberry Shortcakes? No, that would be frightening too.

TRASH HUMPERSNewest Harmony Korine and yeah, the title pretty much sums it.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Don't ask us why it took so dang long, but we have finally snagged copies of The Room for y'all. Yes, the cult smash sensation that's still sweeping the floors of the nation! If you're not aware of this brilliant motion picture, The Room is the work of master thespian and dynamic director Tommy Wiseau. This is a man who bleeds emotion for us on both sides of the screen. Watch the trailer below because my words cannot fully relay the incredibleness of this cinematic jewel. The acting on the new 90210 is Shakesperian in relation and Mulholland Drive makes way more sense when compared to this.

And recommended to us by our friend Dangerous Doug Tilley, The Room tribute at Newgrounds and this wonderful Room rap. Thanks Doug!

It started out as a well meaning protest at Aylmer and Charlotte streets in Peterborough’s downtown. Two movie lovers gathered at the intersection to proclaim their love for local independent video store Have You Seen… and their distaste for American corporate monolith Netflix. The American company recently stormed the Canadian border, invading their gentle neighbours to the north with the promise of bargain basement streamed movies and TV shows.

“Netflix sucks!” said one of the men, a bald, bearded gentleman with a large stomach. “Their selection is meager at best and they lack all of the fun associated with actually leaving your house and communicating with the nice human beings at the video store.” Pointing at Have You Seen… he continued by saying “Those really good looking people in there love their city and their downtown and don’t take too kindly to this big bully coming in here and giving us wedgies. I just bought this frigging underwear!”

The other gentleman with an accent that was hard to place, I’m gonna go with South African, took over the rant. “This here big mean company, what they called, Nettrix or sumthin’, they don’t live in Peterborough and employ folk who live here, folk who spend their loonies at our local stores. We done do gosh dangit! All them money them big corpo go an make, she leaves an goes right back over that there border!”

It all seemed to be legitimate, just a couple of guys with something to get off their chest, when it was revealed that these two were actually the owners of Have You Seen… and had paid themselves to have a negative view of Netflix, using revenue accumulated at their store… a video store that rents people really killer, hard-to-find films for a fair price.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Over the past couple of weeks, there has been enough TV on DVD released to cause rectal bleeding... of the eyes!!

-30 ROCK Season 4Moly holy, this show just keeps staying exactly the same. And by that I mean totally awesome! 30 Rock is still one of the funniest, chuckliest, laugh-inducing, knee-slapping, tummy-jiggling, side-splitting series in the dangerous, vicious, cut throat television game. That guy with the hair is hair-larious! -HUMAN TARGET Season 1 (DVD + BLU-RAY)-SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND Season 1-MODERN FAMILY Season 1Every type of modern family is proudly represented except for the oft-neglected Rat People. Twentieth Century Fox, what do you have against the Rat People? -HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER Season 5-BORED TO DEATH Season 1HBO series with the guy from Cheers, the guy from Rushmore and that other guy with the beard who's in all the movies lately.

-FRINGE Season 2This show is totally on the edge. -IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA Season 5Has anyone collected meteorological data to verify these claims?-GOOD WIFE Season 1-GREY'S ANATOMY Season 6-BIG BANG THEORY Season 3-OFFICE Season 6-GLEE Season 1 Part 2-HOUSE Season 6-BROTHERS & SISTERS Season 3-DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES Season 6

Hollywood also found time to release some movies as well and we got 'em!

ROBIN HOOD

EXPERIMENT

SECRET IN THEIR EYES Academy Award winner Best Foreign Language Film 2009

Friday, September 10, 2010

Everyone is obsessed with something. Golfing, cycling, full contact knitting. For the two subjects of the documentary I Think We’re Alone Now, it’s eighties pop music sensation Tiffany. Now, I certainly have my guilty pleasures. As anyone who knows me is well aware, I think Don Knotts movies are the bee’s knees. I fully admit that I probably enjoy The Love God? a little bit too much, but I have never at any time felt psychically connected to the comedy legend. OK, wait... maybe. But I have never ever believed that we were destined to be together and that one day our souls would intertwine in the heavens, fusing us together for eternity. Jeff Turner and Kelly McCormick kinda sorta really strongly do believe this stuff.

Director Sean Donnelly uses a magical mind key to open the creepy gates and grant us intimate access to the lives of these two beyond fans. What we witness is funny and frightening. Both Tiffany lovers have their own unique delusions and are only too eager to profess their feelings and beliefs in front of the camera. Turner is sure he is in communication with Tiffany by way of a technological piece of headgear that utilizes a bike helmet as its core. In addition, he's also been accused of stalking the celeb by wanting to get up close and personal. McCormick is certain she was a friend of the pop star during their teenage years and that one day in the future, they will be together again.

I find myself drawn to movies that are uncomfortable to watch and I Think We’re Alone Now pays off in spades. The cringe factor ranges from medium to high and intensifies as the film rolls on, as the events become more and more bizarre. I found it freaky, too, that many of those featured in the movie reminded me of people I know. Some may feel the producers are bordering on exploitation, due to their editing choices and the obviously compromised mental states of the subjects. I personally found I Think We’re Alone Now to be a fascinating character study and engaging piece of filmmaking.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Oh Tuesday, you sweet beautiful bastard of a week day. You arrive with love in the form of new movies and television series. Tuesday, blessings be upon you, for you are sex for my eyes and lust for my ears. Never leave me dear Tuesday and I shall always remain true to you. How lucky are Monday and Wednesday to be sandwiched between your tender loins. Oh how Thursday doth envy thee. Friday may begin the weekend but you golden Tuesday are my only true desire. Saturday has a 'turd' in the middle of it and Sunday is an un-day in comparison. Did I forget any other days of the week? If I did, they would all be weak beside you anyhoo. Tuesday, sweet wicked sick Tuesday.

SURVIVAL OF THE DEADWhat the... Didn't Romero just release a different zombie movie last month? I could have sworn that he... well, anyway. A spin-off from Diary of the Dead, Survival follows a group of military personnel as they protect their precious genitalia from being gnawed on by rotting incisors. Do they succeed?

BABIESNo one likes babies, so your guess is as good as mine as to why in the holy hell someone thought it would be a good idea to make a documentary about them.

HARRY BROWNOh, geez, I was about to write about the movie 'HAIRY Brown.' Totally different film! This one stars Michael "I Don't Need a Bloody Cane!" Caine as an ex-military gentleman who turns rabid vigilante after seeing his proper society sent straight down the pub toilet by a bunch of no good drug-addled layabouts. Watch as Harry turns one guy's head into a Yorkshire pudding!

LESLIE, MY NAME IS EVILManson! Hippies! Canadian! Murda! John Waters doesn't want to see it which is ironic.

NEW BOOB TUBE:-VAMPIRE DIARIES Season 1 (I bet it's written...in...BLOOD!)-HOUSE Season 6 (Still cranky after all these seasons.)

And on Blu-Ray today:-EVIL DEAD (Witness the nasty projectile vomit and pencil-in-the-ankle jabbings in high def!)

And since we have not updated in a spell, here are a few items of note available at HYS... from the past week or so:-LOST Season 6 (The final season-learn that there was never actually an island but instead everyone was trapped inside of a giant's stomach and just dreaming they were stranded in a hallucinogenic paradise with giant polar bears and the leprechaun from Lord of the Rings.)-LOVE HATE and PROPAGANDA (I can't type George Strombopopoplupoplus.)-DEXTER Season 4 (I still can't believe the nice gay guy from Six Feet Under kills people.)-GANGLAND Season 5 (After 4 previous seasons, the show ran out of scary gangs so this season features a hardcore crew from Delaware who paint themselves blue and call themselves "Da Smurfz."-MAX HEADROOM ("Oh my God, Max Headroom is on DVD!!" "Do you want to rent it?" "Naw.")

Have You Seen... attended the Festival of Fear/FanExpo 2010 in Toronto this past weekend. Look for a detailed rundown here soon. Which really translates to 'sometime in early 2011.'

Thursday, August 5, 2010

We interrupt our regularly scheduled blog silence to bring you news on this important home video release. (end)

Deathsport and Battletruck are now available, together, on one digital versatile disc. (end)

It took scientists 4-years of painstaking research and an estimated U.S. $14 million to figure out how these two stupidendous movies could be combined onto the same disc. Experts were able to place Deathsport onto the medium with little problem but the moment Battletruck was added, all hell broke loose. The films would immediately begin attacking each other in a futuristic way, causing each to slip off of the DVD and plummet into a vast wasteland where only the strong survive. Search and rescue teams cloaked in bad costumes would be forced to lure the films out of the abyss with bad acting and promises of great riches, a better tomorrow and mini-bikes wrapped in tin foil. (end)

Before Deathsport and Battletruck could be placed on a DVD together, scientists had to devise a cunning digital wall to separate the movies. This process had never been tried before and experts were stunned to learn it worked. (end)

Researcher Franklin Jeff Connors said "We did it. I don't know how we did it, though." (end)

It is not without some degree of irony that the cost of packaging these films together far surpassed the amount of both of their budgets combined 97 times over. But it had to be done because these movies both share a post-apocalyptic theme and have titles that are two words blended together to make one new fancy word. (end)

Come down to Have You Seen... video store and rent history of the future in the making. (end)

Friday, May 28, 2010

Welcome to the first of many exciting Have You Seen... caption contests! Simply come up with a caption for the photo below and email it to us. We'll choose the best one and the weiner, I mean _winner_ will receive a free DVD rental. Submit as many as you'd like and we'll post the best one in 2 weeks time.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

OK, really, let's get serious for a moment: it's hot. So much so that doing anything beyond pressing play on a DVD remote could cause serious complications. So do your body a favour and load yourself up with a few shiny Have You Seen... discs of choice, hit the couch and do not move most muscles. Eyes and thumb only. For your health!

JUST LIKE NEW

THE ROADAdapted from the novel by Cormac McCarthy, Aragorn stars as a papa fighting to survive in a really not so nice post-apocalyptic world while taking care of his son against all odds when two become one. No sightings of Frodo or Pippin but I'll bet you those buggers were hiding somewhere in the background. Will need to watch it again to try and spot them. Just a caution: you may feel slightly guilty eating snacks while watching this film. I didn't, but you might.

"Aragon like soda pop. Soda pop taste good in mouth."

TRUE BLOOD Season 2Oh boy, does this show ever SUCK! Ahahahahahahahaaha...no. I don't think I've seen Elliott this excited* about a series before and on his strong recommend, check, check it out if you have not done yet. *Not since The Golden Girls of course.

Billy Connolly: Journey to the Edge of the WorldFunny Scottish man-guy trudges through sleet, snow and blubber with a smile in order to bring you a chuckle-ridden travelogue. See Billy teeter on the edge of the world. Does he fall off and discover a hidden tribe of floating Air People? Watch the discs to see!

DAVID CROSS: Bigger and BlackererSpeaking of funny man-guys, everybody's fave sarcastic comedy maker David Cross hits back hard with a stand-up performance filled with very little sitting down on his part. The audience sits a whole bunch though, lazy bastards.

BULLETPROOF SALESMANDoc about war profiteer Fidelis Cloer who is in the business of selling armoured vehicles in Iraq and Afghanistan. I do believe I'll stick to renting movies.

And since we haven't done a proper update in some time, here are a few from the past couple of weeks that are worth a mention!

MESSENGERSomeone has the unenviable job of notifying the families of soldiers killed during conflict and The Messenger details this task. Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson portray these military personnel and their performances are super solid. Samantha Morton is excellent as a woman just informed about the death of her husband. One of the most believable and realistic characters in recent American film. Heavy duty, yes, but the top notch acting makes it all worthwhile.

SOUTH PACIFICNo, not the musical. Although, I really wish BBC had decided to include some footage of the rare singing Samoan eel in this Planet Earth/Blue Planet calibre collection. Many moments that will inspire both awe and bitter jealousy at the fact that we don't have any parrotfish in the Otonabee. Got some great gnarly carp though. Film that BBC!

This is just the tip of the veritable virtual iceberg as it relates to new additions to the store. To fully grasp the extent of new stuff you'll need to creep on down here, hopping between patches of shade. Tons of Brit TV and so much more!

And remember TV Carnage comes to town Sunday the 30th @ The Spill - 8pm!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

The rumours are true and this time, Fleetwood Mac had nothing to do with it!

That doesn't actually make any sense and neither does TV Carnage. This insidious video creation is the work of a mysterious and frightening entity known only as "Pinky." And to really creep you out, even his own family don't know if Pinky is his first name or his last! Hell, they're not even sure if Pinky is a guy. Regardless, because "irregardless" isn't actually a word, Pinky is coming to bust a cap deep into the backside of this town on Sunday May 30th with a new regime of exercise-related Carnage. It all goes down at The Spill with doors moving on their hinges at 8pm.

We at Have You Seen... LOVE TV Carnage and we are eagerly awaiting the next installment of Emmy award not-winning excellence. Advance tickets are available right here at the shoppe (I say "right here" because I'm typing this from work-if I were typing this from home I'd say "right there") and are available to you the viewer for $6. If you wait until show day, you're gonna have to cough up another $2 which when added to the aforementioned $6 makes a total of $8. So snag your seat early!

The trailer below is merely a taste, a veritable dinkling of what you can expect on that cold, snowy May night. So join some guy named Zach and us for Pinky, TV Carnage & hot chocolate. And be sure to bring a blanket to snuggle under with a stranger!

Monday, May 17, 2010

Hey there! Just checking in to see if anyone is actually reading this. If you'd like this magical blog to continue sucking up bandwidth, let us know the next time you're in the store & we'll keep providing you with useless information and really dumb attempts at humour. Thanks!

UPDATE: The blog lives!! And it's all thanks to Iris! All one of you say "Thanks Iris!"

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Good early week to everyone. It's Tuesday and that means some new movies have come our way, and in turn, yours! Here's what we've done gone and got for y'all!

BAD LIEUTENANT

The 1992 version of Bad Lieutenant directed by Abel Ferrara is one of my fave American films of that decade. It's so gritty you feel like you need to shower after all is said and done. So many memorable scenes, including one of a full frontal strung out Harvey Keitel crying like a baby. Trust me, once you see it, you'll never forget it. Not that a naked Keitel in a movie is particularly unique, that darn nudist.

Much controversy surrounds Werner Herzog's remake, not the least of which was his choice of casting Nicholas Cage in the lead role. I haven't watched this one yet, so I'll reserve personal judgement until I get a chance to check it out. From what I understand, it's different enough from the original that is stands on it's own. Here's the trailer now!

YES MEN FIX THE WORLD

I have seen this one and as with the first Yes Men documentary, I thoroughly enjoyed it! For those unfamiliar with these cats, The Yes Men are political pranksters who take their wickedly good trickery to great lengths, generating elaborate mischief with the intention of exposing corporate greed and the actions of nasty people. Very satisfying viewing. More please!

ART & COPY

Meet the real "Mad Men of advertising" in the latest doc from Scratch director Doug Pray.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Everyone into the horror movie game knows full well that Rue Morgue magazine is one solid publication, amirite?! As a carrier of this printed infection, we have multiple copies of back issues available for your reading pleasure at $1 off the original cover price. Not a big discount, true, but this mag never becomes dated and the reviews/articles are a great reference resource. So if you, or someone you know digs on the horror genre, get in here and grab you an issue to sink your rotten teeth into! Of corpse, we also carry each new issue each and every month. Oh yes we do.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

The weather might be warming up but that doesn't mean you can't stay inside and bask in the glow of your beloved television! *Studies have shown the rays from a tv are vastly superior to that of the sun. While the sun does exude trace amounts of vitamin D, it also comes with harmful stuff. A television screen however emanates vitamins B12, B6, B18, C, C complex, D, D major, E, G, and the little known vitamin Q17.65F. It is also a source of good protein, all of the essential amino acids, magnesium, iron, and has been shown to re-grow hair where it is needed and eliminate unnecessary follicles where it is not. Put that in your pipe and smoke it, sun!

HOT OFF THE PRESSES! (the legal ones, of course!)

SHERLOCK HOLMES

Hey Holmes, did you remember to lock the door today before leaving for work? Are you sure?

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Hey, check it out! The courier we call Mr. Courier came to the store and brought us some new movies!! Yay!!

THE FANTASTIC MR. FOX

After The Incredible Mr. Limpet starring everyone's hero Don Knotts, movies should never again be allowed to use The ___ Mr. ___ in the title. But looky here, Wes Anderson doesn't think he needs to follow the rules. Damn anarchist! The movie is an adaptation of a beloved book by some guy, some guy who released his book in 1970. This means he also ripped off The Incredible Mr. Limpet which came to enhance all of our lives in 1964! Even though I am furious right now, I'll still post the trailer for you to see, but keep in mind, this is an outrage!!!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

A great friend and long lost customer from days gone by just sent us this incredible photo of himself with the one and only Honky Tonk Man! Jeremy Milloy and his much better half, Sarah, moved to B.C. in order to escape their massive pile of Have You Seen... late fees. Pathetic? You betcha! But they redeem themselves with this. Oh my goodness.

Got a photo of yourself with a professional wrestler or someone else mildly famous you're all proud of? We'd love to see it!

Peterborough's super duper wicked awesome entertainment venue needs help beating back the financial wolves! This Saturday March 20, a fundraiser is being held to raise much needed revenue to keep the doors of this fine establishment OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

SILENT AUCTION:Musical instruments and donations galore! Got something to add? Drop it off at The Spill, like, NOW!

It would be a shame of epic proportions if Peterborough loses The Spill. They have supported so many in the past, including Have You Seen... and now is the time to show them the love (and the money!). Do what you can! Thanks!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

In completely (not) shocking news, an anti-gay U.S. senator has come out of the closet after being arrested for DUI following a visit to a gay bar. Roy Ashburn claims his numerous votes over the years against gay rights initiatives were not spurred by his personal feelings but those of his constituents. Ashburn would like everyone to believe he was merely carrying out the wishes of those who put him into office. It's been pointed out that Ashburn also voted to increase taxes. Probably not something his voters endorsed when they selected his name on the ballot.

Why is a movie store blog covering this news story? Well, first off, we're people who think hypocrisy shouldn't be buried, especially when carried out by politicians. Second, it brings to mind a fantastic recent documentary on this very subject by filmmaker Kirby Dick called 'Outrage.' The movie assembles details on a maddening array of politicians living in the closet who also happen to vote most fiercely against gay issues. Supposedly, these efforts are intended to deflect away from the fact that they themselves are homosexual. Guess what? It's not working.

The Oscars are a time for thespians and movie makers to get together and either pat each other on the back or punch each other in the face. I'm still waiting for video to surface showing the alleged fight between Precious star Gabourey Sidibe and Dame Helen Mirren. According to Hollywood outsiders, the two squared off backstage following an altercation where Sidibe is rumoured to have suplexed Mirren into a plate of Cornish game hens. Ladies, this is no way for anyone to behave. I'm disgusted by you both.

Speaking of the Oscars, plenty of nominated and winning films from this past edition are available now on the DVD or coming soon. Out today we gots for ya:

PRECIOUS: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire

UP IN THE AIR

That dreamy George Clooney is at it again getting me all nervous with his bone-chilling smile.

BAD BIOLOGY

A movie that would win an Oscar if there were a category for disembowelment and head crushing is Frank Henenlotter's Bad Biology. This Have You Seen... main man is responsible for such gems as Basket Case 1+2, Brain Damage & Frankenhooker. Not too shabby a resume, eh? EH? And by the way, WHY is there NOT an Oscar category for disembowelment and head crushing?

mild content alert!

More movies just added - JUST FOR YOU!

CAIRO STATION

HACHI: A DOG'S TALE

From director Lasse Hallstrom (My Life As a Dog, Cider House Rules, Chocolat etc.)

BOONDOCK SAINTS II: ALL SAINTS DAY

They said it would never happen and director Troy Duffy almost made sure it didn't (see the amazing doc 'Overnight' for details why) but here it is. The sequel to the 1999 cult hit.

STONING OF SORAYA M.

Late 1980's Iran, a woman is forced into an arranged marriage. Have not yet seen this, but it's certainly on the list.

CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY

Michael Moore returns with another documentary where he chases (OK, walks) after more big meanies and makes people cry. It's been critically acclaimed and many say this is his best since Roger and Me.

Until next time Peterborough (and surrounding region), take care of yourselves and each other.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

PONYOHayao Miyazaki's latest about a goldfish who wants to become a girl and the little boy who loves her for it. That's funny because when I was a little girl I wanted to become a carp who was adored by a sasquatch.

2012Have you heard the news? In the year 2012, we're all gonna drive cars erratically while dodging collapsing buildings in ludicrous scenarios with bad CG backdrops. And we're gonna fly airplanes quite well even though we just have our learner's permits. For approx. 158 minutes.

WHERE THE WILD THINGS AREThe anticipated Spike Jonze adaptation of the beloved children's book about a monkey named Tobias and the army of pelicans who perform liposuction on his Auntie Sue.

And in this Lil' Wayne's hour of need, our thoughts and prayers are with him as he goes to prison.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

BIG RIVER MANMartin Strel is an athlete. His training routine includes chomping wheelbarrow loads of greasy food and guzzling barrels of booze. Then he jumps into the river and swims for about a month.

Having dog paddled past dead bloated bodies in toxic waterways around the world, Strel sets out to swim the length of the Amazon. Not width, length. Thankfully his gut is also a floatation device.

LOLA MONTESCriterion bring it on again, this time with Max Ophuls' stunning, starry, sensational sparklecracker of a film. Yeah, dude: sparklecracker.

DAMNED UNITEDHaven't seen this yet and I probably won't because it's got a swear in the title. But, it's supposed to be really good from what I've heard from people I don't know who live in the internet.

I'M OSCARED!!This space with the clever title is where we highlight films up for an Oscar that are good. Whoa! Here's one now!

That's all for this time. We hope you had fun reading these keyboard clickin's.

Monday, February 22, 2010

I've been gripped by this dirty little bug for the past week in one way or the other. This video best depicts what the inside of my body has looked like during these times of trouble. And also, what went through my mind.

Friday, February 5, 2010

At Have You Seen... we rent movies to people. And sometimes, dogs. It's what we do. Every day. That's our guarantee!

A FEW RECENT ADDITIONS TO YE OLDE VIDEO SHOPPE THAT ARE WORTH AN EYE WATCH:

MARY & MAXStory of two pen pals from two very different backgrounds. One is an 8-year-old girl from Australia and the other, a 44-year-old chunky man from New York. How do they become pen pals? Watch the dang movie! It's animated, it's funny and it'll also jerk the tears right outta your head!

HOUSE OF THE DEVILWe're going through a time where everyone and their brother are trying to make a movie that looks like it was filmed in the 70s or 80s. "Throwbacks" they call 'em. It's a kind of pointless task if you axe me (did you?) since if I wanna watch a movie from 1975, I'll watch one that was made in 1982. Anyhoo, this one succeeds and delivers the creepy goods.

FEAR & LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS (Blu-Ray)If you're a fancy pants with a Blu-Ray player, you can now watch Fear & Loathing in high def. Chemically induced hallucinations never looked so good! We've also got this movie in the regular old dirty DVD version. Eeww!

NO IMPACT MANA man and his family survive on nothing but air and fingernail clippings for a year!

Monday, February 1, 2010

In news of the WTF! variety, LEATHERFACE, the freaking awesome U.K. band (not the mutant chainsaw wielder in a dead skin mask, tho that would be cool too) are actually coming to Peterborough on March 2nd for a show at, of all places, Dobro.

LEATHERFACE are one of my all-time fave bands and are responsible for my all-time fave album 'Mush' so, I am stupid stoked about this. I'll still believe it when I hear the chill-inducing vocals of Frankie Stubbs in person. There is nothing more important you could possibly be doing that Tuesday night so do yourself a favour and check this show out! Hot damn! [Paul]

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Wow, so Rip Torn, master of many great television and movie roles, has been busted for breaking into a bank in Connecticut while the place was closed. State Police report the Texas madman smashed his way in through a rear window and was allegedly arrested while in possession of a loaded revolver. Not surprisingly, he was said to be intoxicated at the time. The 78-year-old star has a history of booze related incidents. Torn seems to be bringing to life fave HYS... character Maury Dann from the 1973 classic movie 'Payday.' We'll be following this story closely.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

If you're a horror movie fan, you probably already know about Rue Morgue magazine. And if you're like us, you visually ravage each month's issue with the cold stare of your terror-eyes. If, for some reason, you don't have a subscription to this fine publication, you can pick a copy up every 30 days or so at HYS... Not only is Rue Morgue Canadian (produced in Toronto in fact), it is the best, most thorough horror monthly out there. The writers heap praise where its due but are also not afraid to tear something apart. Rather than every release being "The Greatest Horror Movie of the Year!" as you'll read in some places, Rue Morgue shoots straight from the bloody hip. I don't always agree but I appreciate the honesty! Check out the latest issue featuring a cover story on the new futuristic vampire film 'Daybreakers' from The Brothers Spierig, the folks responsible for the 2003 Australian zombie flick 'Undead.' Stay tuned for future issues of Rue Morgue with content rundowns and reviews!

Saturday, January 23, 2010

DVDs are fun to watch and when they contain movies, wowie! There are still lots of good things back in around about the way of last year you shouldn't go and miss. I'm Paul and here are mine!

ANVIL: THE STORY OF ANVILAnvil played my high school way back and I’ve always had a soft spot for this hard ‘n’ heavy metal band who refused to quit after years of wallowing in the bar circuit. Their mission was to “make it big” despite everyone telling them they should just put it to rest. Filmed by a fan that Anvil befriended when he was just a teen, this finely crafted doc is an inspirational showcase of the never-say-die attitude. They might only be recognized now because of this movie, but at least their dream of music being their day job is now a reality. You’ll laugh – you’ll cry – you’ll bang thy head!

COVE, THEPart covert spy thriller and part eco-expose, The Cove made the most impact on me of any single documentary in 2009. A small fishing town in rural Japan hides a very big secret that the locals go to great lengths to keep that way. Former dolphin trainer turned dolphin liberator Ric O’Barry joins a team of filmmakers who use a variety of ingenious undercover methods to document the town’s outrageous activities. I’m glad this movie was made, but getting through it sure ain’t easy. Viewing, however, is important and necessary. The DVD extra Mercury Rising is a scary cherry on top of this shocking doc.

EXTERMINATING ANGEL, THEContinuing with their ever impressive output of releases, Criterion unveiled the first official release of Luis Bunuel’s surrealist cinematic masterstroke. A group of high society partygoers attend a posh to-do, but at the end of the gathering, they find they lack the ability to leave. I was completely unnerved and unsettled as Bunuel subtly turns the screws to construct an atmosphere of eerie unease.

FRIENDS OF EDDIE COYLE, THENever before available, this crime drama from 1973 stars Robert Mitchum as Eddie, a desperate hoodlum fighting to stay out of jail by co-operating with the cops and passing over info. The life of a snitch is complicated and Eddie tries his best to get through this situation with his body parts intact. Directed by Peter Yates (Bullitt, The Dresser) and co-starring Peter Boyle in one of his great understated roles, The Friends of Eddie Coyle is solid 70s cinema. Criterion gets kudos for bringing this otherwise hard to find gem to our televisions.

HUMPDAY/MY EFFORTLESS BRILLIANCEI’m sneaking 2 movies into 1, but 2009 was the year I saw my first “mumblecore” movie. These are simply shot, dialogue driven indies where the script and acting are given top priority over the visuals. Mumbling all the way is Lynn Shelton, who both directed and shot this double bill. Both films are hilarious and authentic and I found myself feeling that the characters were people I knew. Every day stuff that, if assembled by someone without serious talent, would come off as boring and lame.

HUNGERThis one will probably show up in a few HYS… staff picks and rightfully so. The IRA prison hunger strike of 1981 is nailed to the screen by first time director Steve McQueen (not that one, of course) where it hangs stark and dripping in all of its visceral glory. The confines of the space provided will not allow me to praise Hunger strongly enough. You owe it to yourself to not merely watch, but to experience this most jarring film.

IRON MAIDEN: FLIGHT 666Two heavy metal movies make the top of the year? You betcha! Not content to get old and let the royalty cheques pour in, IRON MAIDEN set out on the most ambitious tours ever. India, Australia, Japan, North and South America… And who flew the plane to get them there? Lead singer Bruce Dickinson, who also just happens to be a commercial pilot. Great footage, backstage access and a second disc containing a live performance from each stop on the tour! Can I Play With Madness? Yes, fellow metalhead, you can.

JULIA I’ve never been one to bite my nails, but for the duration of Julia, I chomped my slabs of keratin into bloody submission! The always versatile Tilda Swinton stars as a seriously desperate woman who just can’t stop making really bad decisions. These choices take her on a frightening journey involving all sorts of highly outrageous activities that made a boring couch potato such as me need to sleep for a week after the credits rolled. Solid as a rock thriller!

LAST YEAR AT MARIENBADWe longed to have this mesmerizing movie by French auteur Alain Resnais in our collection from the beginning of Have You Seen… It took until 2009 for us to get our grubby little mitts on it due to availability issues. And what a sight and edition to behold! Yet again, Criterion comes through with a stunning transfer and a second disc of mind-busting extras. The plot? Can’t tell you for sure. The movie? A complete visual masterpiece. You just need to block off a chunk of time, climb onto your favourite sitting apparatus and let you jaw hang low. I plan on revisiting it again soon and sharing it with someone I love. Someone other than myself.

PHANTASM 2/NIGHT OF THE CREEPSTwo of my fave 80s scream flicks previously unavailable on DVD made their way to the format in 2009. Night of the Creeps (1986) is a prime example of what made horror films of the decade so enjoyable. Gross outs, laughs and super wicked one-liners. Phantasm 2 (1988) is my pick of the series. By no means a great film, but it’s totally fun and captures ‘the vibe’ so many recent horror movies lack. And since it includes a decent recap of the first film, you can enjoy it without having seen the original (which I also happen to really love). “The funeral is about to begin!”